Bilic takes the blame

Coach to discuss future later this week

Last Updated: October 11, 2011 10:36pm

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Slaven Bilic: Accepting responsibility for Croatia's failure to secure automatic qualification to Euro 2012

Sky Bet

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic has taken the blame for their failure to secure automatic qualification to Euro 2012.

Greece pipped Croatia to top spot in Group F, forcing Bilic's side to content themselves with runners-up spot and a place in the play-offs.

Croatia beat Latvia 2-0 on Tuesday, but Bilic admits the damage was done when they lost to Greece in Athens last Friday.

"I'm the only one responsible for results in qualifying," Bilic told Croatian television.

Failure

"Our goal was to finish first in the group, so this must go down as a failure."

"We are a very good, dangerous team when we all play well, but last Friday against Greece in Athens we were neither smart nor brave."

Bilic's future has been the subject of speculation and the former West Ham and Everton admits he will talks with the Croatian Federation to discuss his position.

"I don't run from responsibility," added Bilic.

"The team also believes in me and they showed that. I don't know what will happen next. I will talk to the federation officials."